GOP holds 'Super Saturday' turnout effort

Oct. 6, 2012
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Mitt Romney on the trail / Charles Dharapak, AP

by David Jackson, USA TODAY

by David Jackson, USA TODAY

The Republicans are trying to use Mitt Romney's strong debate performance to juice their get-out-the-vote effort.

The party is holding a "Super Saturday" project today designed to make nearly 2 million voter contacts, said Republican officials.

"The increased enthusiasm from the debate has already helped with volunteer recruitment and voter contacts," said a Republican National Committee statement.

The RNC said its volunteer lists have shot up by more than 60% since Wednesday's debate, which Romney won according to post-debate polls; the party also trumpeted more than $12 million in online donations since Wednesday.

"We're harnessing this enthusiasm on the ground with thousands of volunteers making phone calls and knocking on doors to encourage their friends and neighbors to vote for Mitt Romney after four years of disappointment from President Obama," said RNC political director Rick Wiley.

Aides to both Obama and Romney say voter turnout efforts could decide the election, making the difference in such key states as Ohio, Florida, Virginia, North Carolina, and Colorado -- all of which are being emphasized in the Republicans' "Super Saturday" push.

These projects are especially important given the prevalence of early voting; voters in some states have already begun casting ballots.

After today, GOP officials said they will have knocked on 6 million doors, and contacted more than 35 million potential voters this year.

Volunteers are also making calls, planting signs, and handing out bumper stickers.